Pin A hearty and flavorful dish featuring juicy Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and aromatic rice—perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Whenever I make this Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate, it instantly takes me back to family dinners where everyone gathers around the table for seconds. The aroma of peppers and sausage cooking together always draws a crowd, and leftovers are rare in my house.
Ingredients
- Italian sausages: 4 mild or spicy, about 400 g/14 oz
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Yellow bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Onion: 1 medium, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups (480 ml), or water for lighter flavor
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried basil: 1/2 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): 2 tbsp, for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausage:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove sausages and set aside. Slice into 1-inch pieces when cool enough to handle.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook peppers:
- Add the bell peppers and cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.
- Toast rice & add liquids:
- Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute to toast lightly. Pour in chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer with sausage:
- Reduce heat to low. Nestle the sliced sausages into the rice and vegetable mixture. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
- Rest and finish:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Pin This meal is a weeknight staple for my family, and it always brings everyone together with its bright colors and big flavors. Watching the kids reach for seconds is the best compliment to any cook.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete meal. It is also delicious with some crusty bread if you want to soak up extra juices.
Make It Vegetarian
Swap the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth to make this recipe meatless, while still keeping the same bold flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the rice moist.
Pin This Italian Sausage & Peppers Rice Plate is the kind of dinner that becomes a family favorite. Enjoy its comfort and vibrant flavors any night of the week!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausages, whether mild or spicy, provide the best flavor, but turkey or plant-based alternatives can be used for lighter or vegetarian options.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free sausages and checking broth ingredients, this dish can be enjoyed gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
- → How do I get the peppers tender but not mushy?
Sauté the bell peppers for 5-6 minutes to retain a slight crispness while softening their natural sweetness for balanced texture.
- → What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Water or vegetable broth can be used for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version, though it may slightly alter the richness.
- → Is it necessary to let the dish rest after cooking?
Allowing the dish to stand covered for 5 minutes helps the rice finish absorbing liquid and improves texture before serving.